Sylacauga City : Interesting Facts, History & Information

Sylacauga, Alabama is a city located in Talladega County, in the central region of the state, about 1.5 hours southeast of Birmingham. The city received its name from the Native American tribes that once inhabited this area, the Creek and Choctaw Nations. It was originally known as “Mouth of Syllacoga”, an Anglicization of its original name.

At the time of the first US census in 1820, there were just 10 people living in the area that would become Sylacauga, Alabama. By the time of the 1940 census, the population had grown significantly to almost 6,000. In recent years, the population has grown to just over 12,000.

Sylacauga has long been known for its unique geological makeup, known as “Marble City”. Much of the nearby countryside is made of white marble and the stone is so prominent that it was featured in the 1965 movie Harum Scarum, starring Elvis Presley. Sylacauga marble has also been used for rock walled bridges, famous sculptures, and the Washington Monument.

Today, Sylacauga is home to a variety of recreational activities for all ages, a vibrant downtown district, and numerous historical sites. The city is also the home of the American Village, a Revolutionary War themed attraction, and the Coosa Valley Fair, which takes place each October.

The Sylacauga Area Chamber of Commerce works to promote the city to visitors and businesses alike. Furthermore, several notable people have been from Sylacauga, including jazz musician Nat King Cole, several Major League Baseball players, and US Senator Jeff Sessions.

Interesting Facts About Sylacauga City

1. Sylacauga was the first town to incorporate after the passage of the Municipal Corporation Act of 1891.

2. The community was originally made up of two distinct populations: Creeks and Europeans.

3. The City of Sylacauga has its own fast-pitch softball team, the Sylacauga Bombers.

4. Sylacauga was once home to many different varieties of mineral resources, including marble, chalk, and quartz crystals.

5. The city once had the largest golf ball manufacturing facility in the world.

6. The band Alabama originated in Sylacauga.

7. Sylacauga is known as the Marble City due to its high-quality marble used for the state capitol building in Montgomery and the exterior of the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C.

8. The Sylacauga City Schools system is the only district in the state to fully embrace and integrate the internet into its classrooms.

9. Since 1950, Sylacauga has been a designated Tree City USA, recognizing its commitment to preserving its valuable trees.

10. Sylacauga has the distinction of being the first city in Alabama to make their municipal records available online.

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What is Sylacauga known & Famous for

Sylacauga, Alabama is known as the “Marble City” due to its large deposits of marble and is widely recognized as the “Marble Capital of the World.” Marble from the area was used to construct many notable monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial in Washington D.C. Sylacauga is also famous for being the home of the “Haleyville Meteorite,” the first recorded meteorite to ever strike a human: in 1954, the approximately 8-pound space rock crashed through the roof of Ann Hodges’ home and inflicted a minor injury.

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What Is It Like To Visit In Sylacauga City?

Sylacauga, Alabama is a great place to visit with plenty of activities to keep you busy. The city sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation nearby. There are several golf courses, parks, and trails to explore as well as local museums and historical sites. Some attractions to look forward to include DeSoto Caverns, the Talladega National Forest, and nearby lakes, such as Lay Lake. For dining and entertainment, Sylacauga has a charming downtown district with plenty of shops, restaurants, and coffee shops. Plus, the city offers various festivals and events throughout the year, like the Bluegrass in the Park Festival, Christmas in the Park, and the Arts and Crafts Festival. Finally, downtown Sylacauga has a 9-hole disc golf course that is free to the public.

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